Sam hesitated, lingering in the shadows outside the tiny bathroom, not knowing how to comfort this New Dean. Always bristly when confronted with personal weakness, post-pit he was near untouchable, and Sam was torn between leaving him to lingering silences or prying him from the fortress he'd built around himself. The nightmares, sleepless nights, and gruff assurances – these he could accept, however unwillingly.
But this new sound, of heaving panic turned to desperate sobs, wrenched Sam to his soul and he didn't have to question any longer. Kneeling on cold hard tiles, he pulled his brother close and prayed.
Fin.